The Northern Irishman reflected on the problem, as well as other issues currently dogging the Premier League and claimed that, when others do it, it seems to go unnoticed.

Rodgers said: "Luis Suarez was held up as the only one that seemed to be doing it. Whenever many other players were doing it, both British and European, it seemed to go very quiet.

"It's something that is the responsibility of the players. The managers can only guide and give their opinion to the players. I've seen it at all levels - the Premier League, reserve games, youth team games and some kids football.

"You see it now becoming a part of the game but it's certainly something we want to eradicate. It's a difficult one for the referees because they are having to make that judgement straight away."

Commenting on the incident involving a coin being thrown at Rio Ferdinand during Sunday's Manchester derby, Rodgers added: "What happened last week was scandalous - it could have taken out Rio Ferdinand's eye. But to go back to what it was years ago or putting nets up, I don't see that as a way forward.

"You get one or two mindless people at games and the focus has to be on them. How can we punish them so they never get the chance to do it again, not punish the other 40, 50, 60 thousand people? They are there for the passion and love of the sport."

Discussing the UEFA sanctions handed to Serbia, the Reds manager said: "I felt for the England players and staff that were there. It was bitterly disappointing to say the least.

"It shows you the seriousness of how we see it and how we've worked very hard to get where we are today - and there is lots of work still needed to eradicate it. In terms of UEFA, it was disappointing."

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

I

t's wrong to be making a joke out of Bender's name at the expense of gay people. It's the kind of childish, uncivilised thing that Football365 would deride and ridicule if it was another media outlet saying. Why is there a need for jokes like this? Does it make your writers feel like men? F365 might suggest that I 'lighten up', but it is genuinely traumatic for people who have been oppressed all their lives to be the butt of jokes, and to be told...

ou can't blame De Gea for wanting to leave, he has enough to do in front of goal as it is as well as taking on the role of Man Utd's version of Derek Acorah in trying to contact and organise a defence that isn't there.